Jeremiah — Chapter 44
Synopsis: In Egypt, Jeremiah rebukes the Jews for burning incense to the Queen of Heaven (Ishtar). They defiantly say they will continue. Jeremiah predicts their total destruction; only a small remnant will escape.
Verse 16
As for the word that thou hast spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not hearken to thee: But we will certainly do every word that shall proceed out of our own mouth, to offer incense to the queen of heaven. The defiant declaration of autonomy against God's word — one of the most absolute rejections of divine authority in Scripture. Lapide: this is the voice of final impenitence; those who have determined to follow their own way rather than God's word can no longer be helped.